Automobile mechanic&#39;s creeper



Aug. 18, 1936. c. MANCE AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC S CREEPER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed A rii 15, 1936 Inventor' ha/{es Manc 'moting comfort to the user.

Patented Aug. 18, 1936 PATENT OFFICE AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC'S CREEPERCharles Mance, Steubenville, Ohio I Application April 15, 1935, SerialNo. 74,554

3 Claims. (01. 280-615) Stating the nature of the case generally, and asis evident, from a general inspection of the drawings, the inventionrelates to that category of structures grouped under the classificationof garage creepers,-and has reference in particular to a novelconception characterized by an improved adjustable head rest.

By way of contrast with a prior art devices, of

which there are numerous different styles andv types, it is thought thatthe present device embodies a specifically new idea of structural meansand attributes aptly fitted to satisfactorily accomplish the improvedpurposes and results calculated to permit greater efficiency while pro-Another object is to provide an observedly different head restconstruction possessed of progressive refinements and practicalimprovements suchas may be endorsed as proportionately more satisfactoryin controlling the head rest and definitely regulating the angularity toa comparatively wide range while the creeper is occupied and withoutnecessitating dismounting.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designatecorresponding mechanical details'of the parts throughout the views:

Figure l is an edge elevational view of a garage-type mechanics creeperembodying a head rest and associated details constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, takenapproximately on the plane of the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figures 4 and 5 are similar sectional views taken on the planes of thelines 4-4 and 55, respectively, of Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing numerals, it will beobserved that the truck or creeper proper is indicated as a unit by thenumeral 6. This is of suitable slatted construction and provided withappropriate rollers I carried by suitable depending legs or brackets 8.This permits the desired swiveling and universal movement of thecreeper.

' provided with a suitable cushion or pad'l2. This 6 unit is hingedlyconnected to the adjacent frontal portion of the creeper or truck, asindicated at the point l3. Incidentally, the numerals ll designate guidecleats to facilitate proper swinging or tilting of the head rest and topromote rigidity l0 and stability.

The numeral l5 designates an appropriate bracket to which a link I6 ispivotally connected. The link is also pivotally connected at itsopposite end as indicated at I l to a reciprocatory-lii plunger or rod18 mounted for reciprocation in a cylinder l9 rigidly fastened to thecentral portion of the bottom of the creeper 6. Surrounding therestricted end portion 20 of the plunger and confined in the socket isan expansion coiled 20 spring 2| normally exerting pressure on the partsl8 and 16 to exert an upward lift on the head rest, whereby it isnormally held up in an inclined position. Incidentally, the head restswings from a horizontal position, as shown in Figure l, to an 25inclined position which is somewhat at an obtuse angle. In the latterposition the head rest has a clearance of about 10 inches from thefloor, and is generally considered to be satisfactory for the purposesintended. 30

Attention is called now to a proiectable and retractible latch pin 22which, as shown inFigures 2 and 4, is projectable into one of the keepersockets 23 formed in the plunger rod. This is actuated through theinstrumentality of a rocker 35 arm 24 pivoted on the truck and in turnactuated through the instrumentality of a springpressed push-rod 25. Thepush-rod is suitably mounted ina guide bracket 26 on the marginalportion of the truck and is provided with a thumb button 21. The latchcan, through the instrumentality of this arrangement, be selectivelyengaged with one of the keeper seats to lock plunger in the desiredposition to regulate the tilt or inclination of the head rest 9.

The gist of the invention is therefore found inthe provision of aportable truck or creeper of more or less conventional design ,having apivoted, hingedly mounted head rest at one end, wherein the head rest isswingable from a low or horizontal position to an upwardly inclinedhead-supporting position. -In particular, the

Y especial newness in the arrangement is in the lift and hold the headrest in an upwardly inclined position. Further novelty is attached tothe arrangement whereby. the head can be pressed down against the headrest to adjust it to the desired angle, after which the latchcan beengaged with the plunger, as described, to hold the head rest in thispredetermined or set position. The automatic spring means for the latch,as well as the automatic spring means for raising the head restconstitute the aforementioned progressive refinements and practicalimprovements which proportionately add to the individuality of thestructure as a whole and render it appropriate for the purposesintended.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawingswill enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore,a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within thefield of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. In a structure of the class described, a creeper, a head restpivotally attached to one end of the creeper, a spring-pressed rodslidably mounted on the creeper, a link pivotalb' connecting the headrest and rod and a latch device engaging the rod for securing the headrest in adjusted position.

2. In a structure of the class described, a creeper, a head restpivotally attached to one end of the creeper, a spring-pressed rodslidably mounted on the creeper, a link pivotally connected with thehead rest and rod, a pivoted the rod and the head rest, a rocker armpivotally 20 mounted on the creeper within the vicinity of the cylinder,said rod being provided with keeper seats, a latch carried by saidrocker arm and selectively engageable with the keeper seats,

and a slidable push rod and button attached to 25 said rocker arm andlocated on the marginal portion of the creeper for convenient operation.

CHARLES MANCE.

